Conditions we care for
OCD treatment that doesn't just manage it.
From classic contamination and checking compulsions to less recognized forms (intrusive thoughts, religious or moral scrupulosity, relationship OCD), we treat the version of OCD you actually have using the therapies that actually work for it.
- 2 locations · Cedar Rapids · St. Thomas
- In-person · Telehealth available
OCD is treatable
"Not just managed. The goal is real, durable change."
What this looks like
OCD is not liking things tidy.
OCD is a clinical condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and the compulsive behaviors people perform to neutralize the anxiety those thoughts create. It is exhausting, often hidden, and frequently misunderstood, both by the public and by clinicians who have not been trained in it.
Patients describe it differently. Some have visible compulsions (washing, checking, ordering). Others have mostly internal rituals (mental review, counting, praying, reassurance-seeking). Many have intrusive thoughts so disturbing they have never told anyone, convinced the thoughts mean something terrible about who they are.
The thoughts do not mean that. They are a symptom of OCD, not a reflection of character. And there is a specific treatment, ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), that is the gold standard, well-studied, and effective for most patients who complete it.
The thoughts are not the problem
The pattern of trying to neutralize them is.
How we treat ocd
Specialized OCD treatment, not just generic therapy.
OCD requires specific therapeutic techniques, generic talk therapy is often ineffective and can sometimes make it worse. Our approach is built around what the research actually supports.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
The gold-standard psychotherapy for OCD. Patients learn to gradually face the situations or thoughts that trigger anxiety, without performing the compulsion. Over time, the anxiety decreases on its own. ERP requires a trained clinician and patient commitment, and it works.
Psychiatry & Medication
SSRIs (often at higher doses than for depression) are well-supported for OCD. Some patients benefit from medication alone, others from medication plus ERP. We prescribe thoughtfully and adjust based on response.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (Emerging Use)
For severely treatment-resistant OCD, there is early but growing research interest in ketamine paired with psychotherapy. We discuss this option honestly: it is not first-line, the evidence is still developing, and it is appropriate only after standard treatments have been exhausted.
How treatment works
From your first call to ongoing care.
No surprises. Here is exactly what the path from your first call to ongoing treatment looks like at our clinic.
01
Reach out.
Book online or call us at (319) 800-2125 (Cedar Rapids) or (340) 244-9658 (St. Thomas). A free 15-minute consultation is the easiest way to start if you are not sure where to begin.
02
Initial evaluation.
A 60 to 90 minute conversation with a clinician. Full psychiatric and medical history, a review of what you have already tried, and a conversation about what you actually want out of treatment.
03
Your individualized plan.
We build a treatment plan with you, not for you. It may include therapy, medication, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, functional medicine workups, or a combination. We explain the why behind every recommendation.
04
Treatment begins.
You start the plan we built together. Sessions are scheduled around your life. In-person at our Cedar Rapids or St. Thomas clinics, or via secure telehealth where appropriate.
05
Ongoing care and adjustment.
Mental health is not linear. We check in, measure progress, adjust the plan when things change, and coordinate with your other providers when that helps.
Forms of OCD we commonly treat.
Many forms of OCD go unrecognized for years because they do not match the public image of the condition. If you see your experience here, you are not alone.
Under the ocd umbrella
Frequently asked
Questions about ocd treatment.
If your question isn’t here, our team can walk you through it. Call (319) 800-2125 or request a free 15-minute consultation.
01What is ERP and why is it different from regular therapy?
ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) is a structured form of CBT specifically designed for OCD. The patient is supported in deliberately confronting triggers without performing the compulsion. Generic talk therapy can sometimes reinforce OCD by providing reassurance, which is itself a compulsion. ERP is the opposite of that.
02Are my intrusive thoughts a sign of something terrible?
No. Intrusive thoughts are extremely common, including violent, sexual, or blasphemous content. OCD patients are not at higher risk of acting on these thoughts. The distress around the thoughts is the OCD, not the thoughts themselves.
03I do not have visible compulsions. Can I still have OCD?
Yes. Many people with OCD have primarily mental compulsions, sometimes called Pure-O: mental reviewing, counting, praying, seeking reassurance, or analyzing thoughts. This form is often missed because there are no outward rituals to observe.
04How long does treatment take?
ERP is typically delivered over 12 to 20 sessions, sometimes more. Many patients see meaningful improvement within the first few weeks. Medication, when used, often takes 8 to 12 weeks to show full effect at therapeutic doses.
05Do you treat children for OCD?
Yes. Pediatric OCD is treatable, and ERP adapted for children (often with family involvement) is effective. Early treatment can prevent years of suffering and academic or social impact.
06What if standard treatment has not worked for me?
Treatment-resistant OCD is real and well-recognized. Options include higher doses of medication, augmentation with additional medications, intensive ERP, and in select cases, emerging treatments including ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. We evaluate each case individually.
07Can OCD treatment be done via telehealth?
Yes, including ERP. Telehealth ERP has been well-studied and is effective. Some exposures may be done in-person or in the patient’s home environment, which can actually be a benefit for telehealth.
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Ready when you are.
Whether you’re booking your first visit or just want to talk to someone — we’re here.